WATER MAR K Boat Buying Bonanza Forecast In Brisbane The Boating Industry Association of Queensland (BIAQ) says the recent Australian Federal Budget should boost boat sales at the Brisbane Boat Show from 30 August to 3 September. "There is no doubt the Federal Budget left a boat-buying bonanza in its wake," said Barry Hibberd, BIAQ general manager, in a statement reported by IBI. "While the Australian dollar remains strong, new imports continue to come into the country and new models are being produced locally, giving the public its biggest choice of boats ever." Hibberd said that boating registrations for June, a month after the budget was passed, rose about 10 per cent compared to the same month a year earlier. He said a strong economy has helped fuel recreational boating sales in Queensland. "The overwhelming indication is that people are moving their retirement plans forward to cash in on budget changes," said Hibberd. "Tax cuts and better access to superannuation funds and investment properties have put pending retirees into fast forward mode. General tax cuts have given families more disposable income, which can be spent on lifestyle choices such as recreational boating." Hibberd forecast strong growth for the boating industry over the next two years as taxation cuts and the "sea-change phenomenon" in investment strategies continued to merge. BIAQ has recorded a recent surge in the sale of boats between 10 and 25 metres in length. "While 90 per cent of all registrations are up to six metres in length, the staggering growth factor has been in the top end of the market," he said. "Another surprising factor is that many of these owners are first time buyers. Retailers report the majority of big boat buyers are baby boomers - some trading up to bigger boats, but with many going boating for the first time." For further information tel: Barry Hibbert +61 (0)7 3899 3333 Maritimo's First Foray Into American Markets Bill Barry-Cotter's award-winning yard Maritimo has formed a wholly- owned subsidiary, Maritime Offshore USA, and has begun shipping boats to an American dealer network covering southeast Canada and eight US States. Dave Northrop, a US industry veteran who was previously Vice-president of Tiara Yachts, has been appointed President of Maritimo's US operation. He will service the dealer network from Maritimo Offshore USA headquarters in Seattle, Washington. Ten authorised dealers have been appointed. They are Vancouver in Canada, California, Ohio, Michigan, Massachusetts, Maine, New Jersey, Maryland and two in Florida. Boats are being shipped out of Brisbane and Sydney, and are delivered direct to the relevant dealer. The vessels will be shown at all major US boat shows, including the world renowned Fort Lauderdale and Miami Boat Shows. Peter Jenkins, Maritimo marketing manager, said both he and Bill Barry- Cotter would be attending October's Fort Lauderdale exhibition and the Miami show in February next year. For further information tel +61 (0)7 5588 6000 or visit www.maritimo.com.au industry Mustang Sportfishers Broaden Sports Range Mustang Marine, the large Queensland-based sports cruiser manufacturer, has announced its entry into the sportfishing category through a joint venture with New Zealand's Oliver Marine. Mustang's Paul Scanlon and Chris Heaton of Oliver said the agreement combines Oliver's flybridge experience with Mustang's manufacturing, marketing, and distribution capabilities, "to fill the void in the market for a high quality, value-for-money flybridge cruiser." Built at Mustang's Gold Coast facility, the new Mustang Sports Fishing range will initially include a 37 and 41 offering, with the first boats expected to roll off the production line in November. Other models are also in development, and will be released throughout 2007. "This is an extremely exciting time for Mustang Marine," said Scanlon. "Since the company's change of ownership in December 2005, the focus of the business has been on extending the Mustang brand into new markets. The flybridge cruiser, or Sports Fishing category, is the first example of this. "The strategic partnership brings together two great marine organisations with complimentary strengths, Oliver's superior designs and valuable experience, and Mustang's manufacturing expertise and commitment to quality. Customers know Mustang for the quality and value of its Sports Cruisers, and from today, this extends to our Sports Fishers." Heaton added that Oliver Marine has a long and successful history dating back through three generations of boat builders. Over the past 70 years, Oliver had earned a high reputation for design, quality, and master craftsmanship. For further information visit www.mustangmarine.com.au or tel +61 (0)7 5571 7255 ocean | 35